can you put shoes in the washer

You can put some shoes in the washer, but not all—and how you do it really matters to avoid wrecking both your shoes and your machine.

Quick Scoop: Can You Put Shoes in the Washer?

• Yes for many athletic shoes and sneakers made of canvas, nylon, cotton, or polyester.

• No for leather, suede, vinyl, rubber-cleat sports shoes, or heavily embellished shoes (beads, sequins, embroidery). These can warp, stain, or crack in the washer.

• Always check the care label on the shoe first; some brands clearly say “machine washable” or “hand wash only.”

Think of it this way: if the shoe feels like fabric (sneakers, canvas, mesh), it’s often washer-safe; if it feels like skin (leather, suede) or delicate dress material, keep it out.

How to Wash Shoes in the Washer (Safely)

If your shoes pass the “washer-safe” test, here’s a simple step-by-step.

1. Check material and label

• Make sure they’re canvas, nylon, cotton, polyester, or similar synthetic athletic material.

• Avoid leather, suede, vinyl, rubber-cleat shoes, or heavily decorated shoes.

• Look for any cleaning instructions printed inside the shoe or on the box.

2. Prep the shoes

• Remove laces and insoles to get a better clean and prevent trapped detergent.

• Brush or wipe off loose mud and dirt first so it doesn’t swirl around the drum.

• Put laces in a small mesh bag so they don’t tangle or catch on parts.

3. Use a mesh bag and towels

• Put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag (or a pillowcase tied at the top) to reduce banging and protect both shoes and machine.

• Add a few old towels to the load to balance weight and cushion impacts. Avoid brand-new towels that might bleed dye onto your shoes.

4. Choose the right settings

• Cycle: Gentle/Delicate cycle is best to reduce tumbling damage.

• Water: Cold or lukewarm , never hot; hot water can soften glue and cause shoes to come apart.

• Spin: Slow spin or no-spin if available, to reduce stress on the shoes.

• Detergent: Use liquid detergent (or pods); powder can get stuck in the shoes if it doesn’t fully dissolve.

A popular method people share is: prep shoes, mesh bag, a small amount of detergent, cold delicate cycle, then air-dry—especially for canvas sneakers like Converse.

Super Important: Drying Your Shoes

• Do not put shoes in the dryer ; heat and tumbling can warp soles, weaken glue, and crack materials.

• Instead, air-dry at room temperature, away from direct heaters or strong sun that can warp or yellow them.

• Stuff shoes with clean rags, paper towels, or shoe trees so they keep their shape and dry faster.

• Dry insoles separately so they can fully air out and avoid trapped moisture and odors.

When You Should Not Use the Washer

Skip the washer and use hand-cleaning or a pro service if:

• Shoes are leather, suede, or nubuck (including many running and hiking shoes with leather panels).

• They have metal or hard rubber cleats , which can damage the drum.

• They’re dress shoes, heels, or anything with glued-on decorations (beads, sequins, embroidery, 3D logos).

• The care label says “do not machine wash”.

In running and sneaker forums, many people warn that frequent machine washing can shorten the life of performance trainers, so they prefer spot-cleaning and gentle hand washing instead.

Quick FAQ

Q: Can you wash any sneakers in the washer?
A: No. Many fabric sneakers are fine, but always confirm with the care label or brand; some models are not designed for machine washing.

Q: What’s the safest basic formula?
A: Fabric sneakers + mesh bag + old towels + liquid detergent + cold delicate cycle + air-dry.

Q: Is this still common advice in 2024–2026?
A: Yes, recent guides from appliance brands and shoe-care sites still recommend machine washing only for suitable materials, using cold gentle cycles and air drying.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.